- 2011 -

We are so privileged to serve a true and living God 

who has blessed us with 

THIS:

Another year of growing, learning, stretching, falling, rejoicing -

and all the while being equipped with EVERYTHING we need for life and Godliness 2 Peter 1:3

ETHAN

Turning 7 in January!  I can't even believe this!  

Mr. Personality defines Ethan.  With a constant spring in his step and  loud song on his lips, you know when he is around - (ask his Sunday School teachers!)  He is obsessed with bugs, snakes, lizards, frogs, and any animal that is alive.  His only request for Christmas is a pet!  (stay tuned after Christmas...shhhhh!)  A great leader, helper, teacher, worker, and a true love for Jesus, his newly accepted SAVIOR!

New in 2011: 1st grade and cursive writing, making eggs for the family, an increasing interest in Lego's.

LUKE

Turned 5 in May!

Sweet is Luke.  Luke loves his brother and follows his every step (and command).  He has a devoted and soft spirit that makes me want to squeeze him - but he won't let me any more!  He also finds a silly spark when Kate is around - the two of them together usually end up in some serious mischief!!  Luke does not know what he wants for Christmas, (except for what Ethan tells him he wants) but will be thrilled to finally dive into the packages that bare his name!  He has a intense Christmas twinkle in his eye this year!!

New in 2011:  kindergarten and reading, football video games, and a increasing spiritual interest.

KATE

Turned 4 in September!

2011 has been a big year of development for our little girl!  She was home with mommy this year with no brothers to follow and has turned into a great little helper.  She matches and folds socks like a pro!  She also has some personality and attitude (yikes!) that makes her a fun little girl to be around.  Everything girly, lover of candy, and entertainer of her baby sister.  

Kate wants everything for Christmas!

New in 2011:  soccer, cavities, dangle earrings, no more sucking her fingers!!!

NOEL

Turned 1 yesterday, the 20th!  *sniff

Mommy's squishy baby!  All smiles, squeals, and giggles.  Sweet, adorable, loving, cuddler, horrible sleeper (hey, can't have it all), soft, kissable, and wonderful!  Noel would love for Christmas to be in a room full of open drawers and cabinets, alone, so she could empty them all out onto the floor.

New in 2011: cooing, smiling, laughing, rolling, scooting, crawling, standing, teeth, eating, drinking, hugging, kissing, saying "mommy, daddy, and Kate", peek-a-boo, and her latest trick: walking!!

US LOVEBIRDS

Married 9 years now!

We've been in Alexandria, VA at Engleside Baptist Church for 6 1/2 years now!  Ben is still working with the youth, AWANA, and family ministries.  He also takes care of the church landscaping.  

The best daddy and husband around!  He proved that this year when he sent Noel and I to Colorado for 10 days and took on the 6, 5, and 4 year old alone (scary voice).

I have enjoyed my year squishing on my baby at home everyday and attempting to run a household with grace.  I joined Bible Study Fellowship and have enjoyed having something to keep me accountable!  I also ventured way out this year and became a consultant with Thirty-One Gifts and have had fun dabbling in that a bit.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and remember with you the glories of Christ's birth!

The Son of God came down and laid aside His crown Born without great renown, this Sovereign One All holiness and might, all glory shining bright Have come to earth this night in Mary’s son O come, let us adore O Christ the Lord, our hope and Savior Son of God yet made like us O Christ the Lord, our King adored Born a child, our Lord Jesus Messiah born so small, asleep in cattle stall Come to redeem our fall, nailed to a tree This tiny, helpless child through death would reconcile The holy God and vile, His grace so free O come, let us adore

The Son of Man Came Down - Sovereign Grace Worship